QDA's annual diabetes walkathon attracts hundreds

Hundreds came together Friday to raise awareness about diabetes during the 17th annual walkathon organised by the Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) at Oxygen Park in Education City.
“In November, people worldwide participate in Diabetes Walks to mark World Diabetes Day,” QDA executive director Dr Abdulla al-Hamaq said. “Every year, we organise a walkathon to raise diabetes awareness and recognise people living with diabetes in Qatar.”
“By walking and the whole day events, we took important steps towards developing a wider understanding of diabetes,” he said.
“We aim at educating and sending a message that understanding diabetes is the first step towards managing and preventing it,” Dr al-Hamaq added. “Knowing the risk of having diabetes or the risk of developing complications and what do to is important to support prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment.”
At the walkathon, the QDA partnered with major health institutions in the country, including National Diabetes Strategy, the Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, Sidra Medicine, Heart Hospital, and Qatar Biomedical Research Institute.